Join us for a memorable evening as the WCC Foundation kicks off its 40th year of making education affordable, accessible, and impactful.
This annual gala brings together our community for a night of celebration—complete with delicious food, great company, entertainment, and most importantly, purpose. Your attendance helps provide critical support for WCC students through scholarships, emergency assistance, and innovative programs.
Tickets available now! $250 Individual Gala Ticket (Dinner and Afterglow).
Hank and Kathleen Barry
The WCC Foundation's commitment to fostering education and providing opportunities has created a ripple effect, shaping the trajectories of many individuals striving for a better future. Thank you to all the donors for being a catalyst for positive change and for making the pursuit of knowledge a reality for students like me. I can only hope to one day follow in your footsteps.
Ruthie Timoficiuc, Current Student
Get ready to bid on an exciting selection of exclusive packages and experiences during our Live Auction! Below you’ll find a preview of this year’s featured items, each one offering a unique way to support student success at WCC.
Following the Live Auction, guests will have the opportunity to make a direct impact through our Paddle Raise, helping fund scholarships and critical student support programs.
Value: $7,000
Savor an unforgettable evening at the Badmash Bourbon Cellar, featuring an exclusive tasting of rare, exquisite, and vintage bourbons. This private experience for four guests includes a guided sampling of six one-of-a-kind bourbons, ranging from the coveted EH Taylor Warehouse C Tornado Survivor to the legendary Old Rip Van Winkle.
Each pour is accompanied by rich storytelling, highlighting the unique history and character of these extraordinary spirits. From the smooth elegance of Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition to the bold notes of Wild Turkey Tradition, this curated tasting promises to delight bourbon enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Restrictions: Please bring a designated driver.
Combined Value: $900
Celebrate Michigan’s icons of food and innovation with this paired experience:
Two experiences, one package: the perfect pairing of great taste and great ideas.
Value: $1,800
Around the World in 5 Courses: A Private Global Tasting Experience
Take your palate on a journey across the globe—without leaving home. This exclusive experience features a chef-curated five-course tasting menu for up to eight guests, with each course inspired by a different region of the world.
Prepared and served in the comfort of your home by the acclaimed chef of Skosh Catering, this private event blends luxury, creativity, and elegance into a night your guests will never forget.
Combined Value: $1,750
First, let the kids (or your inner kids!) loose in WCC’s state-of-the-art Esports Arena with private access for up to 15 participants. For two hours, enjoy:
Then, after the high-energy gaming session, the grown-ups can escape to The Last Word in Ann Arbor for a well-earned nightcap. Enjoy dinner for four with tableside craft cocktails, each explained by a master bartender who brings as much artistry to the glass as your kids did to their game.
A family-friendly showdown followed by a parent-approved wind-down.
Restrictions: Esports limited to weekends only; max 15 participants, waivers required.
Value: $750
Experience Michigan from a breathtaking new perspective with a private aerial tour for up to three passengers. Your flight will take you over Ann Arbor, Detroit, and the Gordie Howe International Bridge, offering stunning views and a one-of-a-kind adventure.
With over 60 years of aviation expertise, Aerial Associates Photography has provided aerial imagery nationwide for engineering, marketing, and commercial projects. Now you can enjoy the thrill of flight with their professional pilots while seeing some of Michigan’s most iconic landmarks from the sky.
Restrictions: Maximum of 3 passengers. Weight limits may apply.
Value: $750
Capture life’s most meaningful moments with a professional family or senior portrait session by Jen Geer Photography. This package includes a 1–2 hour session for up to five people in Ann Arbor or surrounding areas, using the city’s most scenic backdrops—from the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens to the Law Quad and downtown streetscapes.
Following your session, enjoy a beautifully curated online gallery of 30–40 professionally edited images, along with a $500 credit toward prints or digital images. Known for her natural light portraiture, Jen Geer creates timeless, artful images that will be treasured for years to come.
Combined Value: $725
Enjoy an evening that combines the comforts of home and the magic of the stage.
Start with a Thanksgiving Feast for 10 from Katherine’s Catering, featuring all the traditional favorites prepared with gourmet flair. Your meal even includes a bottle of bubbly for a festive toast. Simply pick up your beautifully prepared meal and gather with family and friends—without lifting a finger in the kitchen.
Then, enjoy a night out with two tickets to The Purple Rose Theatre, founded by Emmy Award–winning actor and playwright Jeff Daniels. Along with the performance, you’ll receive two keepsakes signed by Daniels himself:
A delightful pairing of culinary tradition and live theatre, with a dash of Hollywood stardust.
Value: $1,000
Experience the magic of live symphonic music with four exclusive box seats to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Symphonie fantastique! on Friday, February 27, 2026.
This unforgettable evening includes:
Founded in 1887, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is one of the nation’s most celebrated ensembles, known for its artistry, innovation, and community impact. This package offers not only world-class music, but also a behind-the-scenes experience to remember.
Help us make an even greater impact by becoming a sponsor. As a sponsor, your organization will be prominently recognized among community leaders, alumni, and supporters who value education, opportunity, and local impact. Sponsorship benefits include event tickets (unless stated otherwise), prominent logo placement in event materials and online, recognition during the event, and opportunities to engage directly with community and business leaders.
For custom sponsorship packages or questions, contact us at [email protected] or 734-973-3665.
